Atlantic Beach is working to remove Beach Vitex, an invasive plant that is damaging local dunes and pushing out native plants. The City of Atlantic Beach is asking residents to help by reporting any sightings of the plant.
Beach Vitex is an aggressive plant species spreading quickly along Atlantic Beach, with seeds that can travel from places like South Carolina. Despite efforts to remove it, the plant keeps coming back, often growing from seeds carried in from nearby areas. A recent grant-funded survey noted how common and persistent the plant is along the beach.
Beach Vitex is easy to spot, even without plant expertise. It has single, oval-shaped leaves that feel fuzzy and are grayish-green in color. When crushed, the leaves give off a strong scent. In warmer months, the plant produces small purple to blue flowers. It grows quickly and spreads across sand dunes and other plants, forming thick mats.
If you see Beach Vitex, take a photo and email it to the City of Atlantic Beach at [email protected] along with the location. The plant has been spotted near 18th Street, but reports from any area are helpful. The city says early detection is important to help manage its spread and protect the beach.
